Kevin Durant Continues to Show Love to Oklahoma City: 'They're Building Something Special'

Kevin Durant was a basketball icon on-and-off the court in OKC, and he's starting to be remembered like one.

In his return to Oklahoma City, this time in a Phoenix uniform, Kevin Durant felt more love this time around.

It wasn’t all cheers, as Durant was promptly booed when announced in the starting lineup and throughout the game on occasion, but it was certainly less hostile and more appreciative. The ex-Thunder MVP poured in 35 points on his former team, shooting 13-of-21 from the floor. Durant was virtually unstoppable.

“I understand it,” Durant said. “I meant so much to this community, and just for me to leave like that, early on I didn’t get it, but I get that an NBA team is a part of your community, a player is so entrenched in your community, you feel closer to them. I get it.”

After his performance, Durant was very complimentary of the Thunder’s core and Oklahoma City in general, showing just how far the relationship has come since he left for Golden State. This isn’t the first time he’s been quick to praise the Thunder, as he praised Oklahoma City on a podcast earlier in the season and has openly admired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game.

"They're a little bit more versatile... I think when we first got here, it was me, Jeff, Russ, the league wasn't turned over to this fast-paced, small ball era," Durant said. "They fit more with the NBA mold right now... They got three or four guys 6-7, 6-8 that can handle the ball. I wish I would’ve had that back when I was here. But, you know, they building something special."

Fans seem to be healing from Durant’s departure years ago, and appreciating his greatness on the court instead. And the Suns forward is finally understanding where Thunder fans are coming from, too.

“There’s still emotions, there’s still some people who don’t like that I left this franchise, but there was more love this time than there has been in the past," Durant said after the game. "I just focused on that. I have so many great memories here, so many people I’ve met that just changed my life, changed my view on life. I’ll forever be grateful to be a part of this organization.” 

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